Hunting and Trapping in and Near Buckhorn State Park

• Deer Hunting
• Youth Deer Hunt
• Turkey Hunting
• Waterfowl and Small Game Hunting
• Trapping

With two wildlife areas next to the park, Buckhorn is a destination for hunting and trapping. Youth can participate in a special deer hunt each fall before the regular season.

Bow hunting is a Buckhorn tradition

Archery deer hunting is one of the most popular recreation activities at Buckhorn. Most of the property is open during the early and late bow seasons. Gun deer hunting is allowed only in Yellow River Wildlife Area.

Long before the area was purchased for the present-day park, sportsmen from Wisconsin and surrounding states hunted the area with primitive weapons. This tradition continues today as modern archery enthusiasts stalk the deer of the Buckhorn peninsula.

Archer success rates generally lag behind those of gun hunters. This results in a herd with more adult deer, and hence, more trophy bucks than would be found in surrounding areas. Each year, several trophy bucks are harvested by lucky hunters at Buckhorn.

The best time for a trophy buck is during the "rut" or breeding season in early November. Male deer tend to be more active and somewhat less wary during this season. Hunters often wait near an active scrape or trail in hopes that a deer will walk within range.

The wildlife area has many shallow sloughs, wetlands and islands. Experienced hunters use hip boots, canoes and boats to gain access to areas overlooked by others.

Buckhorn State Park Hunting Map [PDF, 299KB]
Buckhorn Area Hunting Map [PDF, 353KB]

Bow hunters should be aware that small game hunting is allowed in the wildlife area. In addition, the property remains open to other activities, such as hiking, camping and picnicking. Areas around campsites, picnic areas, shop, office area and the beach are closed to all hunting.

Buckhorn's Wild Turkeys

The springtime strutting and gobbling ritual of a male wild turkey is among nature's most exciting events. This has helped the wily bird attain immense popularity among Wisconsin's hunters and wildlife enthusiasts. Buckhorn is fortunately one of the premiere locations for watching this show.

Male turkeys, also called gobblers or toms, display or strut in small openings or open wooded areas. They do this and gobble and drum to attract females for mating. The best view of the shoe is just after sunrise from mid-March through early May.

Spring turkey hunting is available by permit only in the state park and Buckhorn Wildlife Area. Hunters must apply by early December of the previous year. Sixteen hunters are permitted for each of three seasons in April in zone 15F, the park and Buckhorn Wildlife Area. Yellow River Wildlife Area, Zone 1, allows turkey hunting for all six spring periods and for fall turkey hunting.

Waterfowl and Small Game Hunting

Waterfowl and small game hunters can pursue their sport in the Buckhorn and Yellow River wildlife areas during the regular seasons for their species. A handout about hunting in the park is available at the park office.

Trapping

Trapping is allowed during regular seasons in the two wildlife areas only.

For more information, ask Buckhorn State Park, (608) 565-2789.